My lungs burned, barely keeping up with my legs that ached with each quick step. If I looked back now I was going to be caught. 

That– was an absolute fact considering I just had a vision about it. 

“I want that Seer, now,” a gruff, winded voice shouted, echoing into the forest. I cursed, making a sharp right. If I changed directions and ran into the neighboring village, it was possible I could lose the men chasing me. Branches snapped and broke against contact with my skin, slicing into my arms. 

My feet were screaming at me at this point, but the village in question was in eye-sight. 

I flew past startled eyes and surprised curses. I had no time to turn and apologize for dashing through conversations and exchanges, I only had time to duck in between the nearest alley. I whipped around looking for something, anything to scale. My fingers flew to the cobblestone wall and I silently thanked every deity out there for the thickness of the rock and hauled my tired body up. 

I collapsed on top of the roof, rolling onto my back and gasped desperately for air. Below me, I could hear my abductors head off in the wrong direction. I squeezed my eyes shut and focused on visualizing their faces. 

I watched a collection of blurry images flurry in my mind. The men would wind up chasing a dead end for hours. 

I slowly sat up and my eyes darted to a cloak hanging on a line. I stood up and snatched the hooded emerald fabric off the close pins and tossed it on.

Relief washed over me as I sat back on the roof and steadied my breath. I only had so much time I could spend in the Common Grounds before someone from the Ember line would come looking for me. Again. 

I peered over the edge of the roof and scanned the village below. Relief washed over me as I spotted stables.

Thank you, Creator. 

I climbed down the roof and made my way over to the tied up horses. I assessed how many people were paying attention to the horses before I hopped on the chestnut mare and kicked. 

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Hey! That’s my horse!” a Commoner yelled, cursing behind me as my horse sprang into action. I cringed and offered a half-hearted sorry. 

One day I would repay the man. I didn’t feel particularly great about stealing from a Commoner, given they were already born into this world as plain as day and poor as can be, but it was a desperate move. 

I was already at the North most point of the Common Grounds, it should only take me a few hours before I reached the portal to complete the rest of my journey. I braced myself as I felt anxiety hit me in unrelenting waves. I was going back to my land to report with…unsavory news. 

The portal approached and I jumped off the mare, my ankles cried out as the impact of the ground reverberated into my bones. I patted the horse and turned. The horse simply wandered off into the nearby  Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Here we go. 

I stepped into the portal and a feeling of weightlessness and bright light filled my senses. Almost as quickly as it came, the sensations abruptly ceased and I found myself at the base of a mountain, looking up at the looming white building above. 

Other Eternal land peoples buzzed around me, darting to avoid my entrance. I swallowed the sickness in my stomach and prayed the Lady would be forgiving today. 

One foot after the other, I trudged my way up the marble steps of the Eternal Capital and politely nodded to the guards as they opened the magnificent doors. 

I spared no extra second turning sharply to the right and striding down the hallway to the western wing of the building. I tried to ignore the echoing of my footsteps against the cool, tile flooring- almost as if I could hear the fear in them. I am sure Ameera could hear it too. 

I arrived at the end of the hall, a set of mahogany doors opened, as if anticipating my arrival. I walked in and bowed at the waist. 

“Lady of Clarity,” I breathed, sucking in a sharp breath as her eyes pinned mine. Her silver eyes mirrored by own. Piercing, knowing- definitely knowing, I didn’t have to tell her why I was here. 

“You are going back,” she said, her manner indicating she did not want an argument. My shoulders tensed. 

“Ameera,” I started, quickly correcting myself, “Lady Ameera, I can not return. I am unable to complete my tasks there, the Ember Lord, he-” my voice trailed off as she crossed her arms tightly and stood up, her white chiffon dress shuffling behind her as she made her way to me. 

“Odessa,” she cupped her hand to my cheek. A gesture that once would have quelled the storm within me. Now- I knew it meant news I did not want. 

“You will tell me that you have unexplained flashes of ill will regarding the Ember Lord, Odessa, you are a Seer, you have been sworn to a life of facts and future, not…”feelings” from your gut,” Ameera said, nearly laughing as she said the last bit. 

I frowned, “Lady Ameera, I know my oath but-” Ameera held up her hand. 

“Odessa, you will go back tomorrow. If you do not, you know the consequences.” I felt my stomach twist. I bowed and turned wordlessly. I felt tears slip down my cheek, biting down on my lip to try and stop the burning in my throat. 

The consequences. My eyes darted to the other end of the hallway. The Red Door. Where those who disobeyed the laws of the Eternals found themselves. I had never been in there, only heard the screams. Some say the paint on the door isn’t paint at all, but the blood of Defiers. I felt a chill creep up my spine and tore my eyes from the ill-fated door. 

I crossed my arms tightly over my chest as I walked away. I would return to my room in the Seer’s Wing and wouldn’t leave until I decided what to do. 

Decided what to do.

As if I had any choice.